Yamamoto Toyoichi (山本豊市), Japanese (1899–1987)

A Bronze Nude Sculpture: Leap (跳)

Showa Era (1926–1989) 

About the work

This expressive bronze sculpture titled 「跳」(Leap) captures a nude female figure in a dynamic, ascending pose. With body arched, the composition conveys a sense of liberation and motion. Sculpted with anatomical precision and poetic abstraction, the work reflects Yamamoto Toyoichi’s mastery of form and gesture.

The figure is finished in a dark patina that accentuates its flowing lines and sculptural volume. Mounted on a solid base and signed by the artist, the piece is housed in its original wooden box.

Dimensions

21.5cm(h) x 19.5cm(w) x 6.5cm(d)

Footnote

Yamamoto Toyoichi (山本豊市, 1899–1987) was a prominent Japanese sculptor born in Shinjuku, Tokyo. After early training under Tobari Kogan and at the Taiheiyo Western Painting Institute, he studied in France from 1923 to 1928. In Paris, he attended the Académie de la Grande Chaumière and became the only Japanese direct disciple of the renowned sculptor Aristide Maillol. Upon returning to Japan, he integrated dry lacquer techniques into modern sculpture, establishing a distinctive personal style.

Yamamoto was the recipient of numerous honors, including the 5th Mainichi Art Award (1953), the Minister of Education’s Art Encouragement Prize (1957), and designation as a Person of Cultural Merit in 1983. He was posthumously awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Second Class, and the Senior Fourth Court Rank.